The umbrella term FASD includes a diverse set of mental and behavioral phenotypes that are often misdiagnosed and ill-treated, causing families to endure undue social and financial costs. Furthermore, undiagnosed/misdiagnosed individuals often have a high recidivism rate in
institutions such as jails, mental health and substance dependence programs, and homeless shelters. However, correct and early diagnosis has proven effective in preventing secondary disabilities and negative outcomes.FASD is currently undefined in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV), the handbook used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in the U.S. as well as internationally to diagnose and classify mental disorders. This often results in misdiagnosis by medical and mental health professionals, lack of understanding and support in schools, social and judicial systems, and inappropriate treatment strategies/interventions. Furthermore, there is no effective way to link the medical aspects of FASD with the mental health issues that arise in approximately 90% of individuals with FASD, thus preventing families from receiving appropriate services. Also, the absence of FASD in the DSM prevents an integrated/multidisciplinary approach with pediatric and medical interventions, psychologists, psychiatrist, PT/OT, speech therapists. Therefore, although there are logistical, technical, and procedural difficulties surrounding the inclusion of FASD in the DSM-V (scheduled to be published in 2012), MOFAS believes its inclusion is vital not only in facilitating more accurate diagnosis and reporting, but to increase awareness and present the opportunity for further psychiatric research. Currently a task force of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is overseeing the development of the fifth edition of the DSM. Two committees within the task force-the Substance-Related Disorders and Developmental Disorders Work Groups-are considering the inclusion of FASD in a way that strictly reflects the state of the research.Dr. Moss, Associate Director for Clinical and Translational Research for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is authoring a scientific literature review that asserts FASD/ARND be included in the DSM-V.

This paper will contribute to the Developmental Disorders Committee meeting in September, 2008, as they discuss FASD’s inclusion in the DSM.As requested by Dr. Moss, MOFAS is seeking first-person narratives from individuals living with FASD and/or parents, family members, caregivers, and practitioners who work with FASD in order to personalize the argument. Stories that specifically addresses experiences with inaccurate diagnosis, inaccurate treatment (medicinal, psychiatric, social), reimbursement our resource limitations, and hardships with the educational, judicial, or social system will be the most useful in highlighting the importance of including FASD in the DSM-V.For more information, contact MOFAS at:MOFAS
1885 University Ave.
Suite 395
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Fax: 651-917-2405
Email: mofas@mofas.org